EASA AD No: 2011-0150 

EASA Form 110 Page 1/3 

 

EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2011-0150 

Date: 09 August 2011 

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with 

Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and 

of the European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of 

that Regulation. 

This AD is issued in accordance with EC 1702/2003, Part 21A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, 

the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person 

may operate an aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD unless otherwise 

specified by the Agency [EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 

216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption]. 

Type Approval Holder’s Name : 

Agusta S.p.A

Type/Model designation(s) : 

A109S and AW109SP helicopters 

TCDS Number: EASA.R.005 

Foreign AD: Not applicable 

Supersedure: None 

ATA 27 Elevator – Elevator upper Skin – Inspection / Replacement / 

Repair 

Manufacturer(s): Agusta S.p.A. 

Applicability: A109S and AW109SP helicopters, all serial numbers. 

Reason: A case of fracture of the left elevator assy (Part Number (P/N) 109-0200-02-

601) along the riveting of the upper skin to the fourth rib has recently 

occurred on an A109S helicopter. 

The elevator assy, left and right, P/N 109-0200-02-601/-801 and 109-0200-

02-602/-802, installed on A109S helicopter are very similar to the elevator 

assy, left and right, P/N 109-0200-02-803/804, installed on AW109SP. 

The technical investigation conducted by Agusta revealed that the fracture 

on the left elevator assy P/N 109-0200-02-601 was due to fatigue. 

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an elevator failure 

which could reduce the manoeuvrability of the helicopter during flight. 

For the reasons described above, this AD requires, as an interim measure 

pending the development of a terminating action, repetitive inspections of the 

elevator upper skin in the area of the fourth rib, and in case of finding, 

accomplishment of corrective actions. 

Effective Date: 11 August 2011 
EASA AD No: 2011-0150 

EASA Form 110 Page 2/3 

 

Required 

action(s) and 

Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: 

(1) Inspect the elevator assy as listed in table 1 on this AD in accordance 

with the instructions of Agusta A109S Bollettino Tecnico (BT) 109S-44 

or Agusta AW109SP BT 109SP-032, as applicable to helicopter 

version, and within the compliance time defined in paragraphs (1.1) or 

(1.2) of the AD, as applicable: 

(1.1) For elevator assy having accumulated less than 400 flight hours 

(FH): within 30 FH after having accumulated 400 FH and 

thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 FH from the last 

inspection. 

(1.2) For elevator assy having accumulated more than 400 flight 

hours (FH): within 30 FH or 3 calendar months after the 

effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at 

intervals not to exceed 50 FH from the last inspection. 

Note: A calendar month implies a compliance time extension till 

the end of the month of the applicable compliance period. 

Table 1 – Affected Elevator Assy 

Helicopter version Left elevator assy P/N Right elevator assy P/N 

A109S 109-0200-02-601/-801 109-0200-02-602/-802 

AW109SP 109-0200-02-803 109-0200-02-804

(2) If during the inspections required by paragraph (1) of this AD, any crack 

is found, before next flight, replace each cracked elevator assy with a 

serviceable unit or contact Agusta for approved repair instructions and, 

within the time period specified in those instructions, accomplish the 

repair accordingly. 

(3) The replacement of an elevator assy as required by paragraph (2) of 

this AD does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 

inspection requirements of paragraph (1) of this AD for that elevator 

assy. 

(4) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any helicopter an 

elevator assy which is listed in Table 1 of this AD unless in compliance 

with requirements of this AD. 

Ref. 

Publications: 

Agusta A109S Bollettino Tecnico 109S-44 dated 05 August 2011. 

Agusta AW109SP Bollettino Tecnico 109SP-032 dated 05 August 2011. 

The use of later approved revisions of these documents is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD. 

Remarks : 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD. 

2. The required actions and the risk allowance have granted the issuance 

of a Final AD with Request for Comments, postponing the public 

consultation process after publication. 

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Executive Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu . 
EASA AD No: 2011-0150 

EASA Form 110 Page 3/3 

 

4. For any questions concerning the technical content of the requirements 

in this AD, please contact: 

Agusta S.p.A. Customer Support 

Via del Gregge, 100 - 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) – Italy 

Phone + 39 0331- 664396 ; Fax: + 39 0331 664680 

E-mail: custserv@agustawestland.com.